Cable holding element

ABSTRACT

A cable holding element includes a base body and rows of latching projections that project from the base body to define at least one channel area for holding cable. The latching projections each have a first section and a second section. The first section and the second section form an acute angle towards the base body. A first row of latching projections opposes a second row of latching projections. The opposing latching projections cooperate to interlock without contact, in a comb-like manner to hold cable within the cable holding element and to form guiding structure that guides cable into and out from the channel area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/099,941, filed on 7 Dec. 2013, which is acontinuation of expired PCT/EP2012/060739, filed on 6 Jun. 2012 whichclaims priority to European Patent Application No. 11450072.1, filed on8 Jun. 2011, the disclosures of these related applications areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention refers to a cable holding elements used inside electronicdevices, and particularly to cable holding elements used in casino-stylegaming machines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cable guides for gaming machines are known in the current state oftechnology, whereby cable strands are held together with cable ties orcable spirals. The cable strands are connected to the housing of thedevice by retaining plates or clips.

A disadvantage of known cable guides is that disconnecting andre-connecting cable strands within gaming machine housings is difficultbecause manipulating cable ties and spirals often requires more spacethan is available in such housings.

What is desired is a cable holding element in which the cable strandscan be readily installed, connected, and removed again.

Security is another disadvantage of the current state of technology. Ingaming machines, generic fixed cable harness arrangements inside thehousing of a device do fix individual cables in predictable positions.With knowledge of the position of the cable, unauthorized manipulationfrom outside the case is possible. A hacker can drill into the case at asuitable position to access particular cables. If a person manipulatingthe device knows the respective position where a cable or cable strandruns, there is a danger of this person manipulating a plurality of otherdevices this way.

Thus, a further additional object of the invention is the reduction ofthe manipulability of the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for a cable holding device (element)adapted for use within a casino-style gaming machine, for theaccommodation of one or more cables. The cable holding device includes abase body as well as a number of latching projections projecting fromthe base body. The latching projections extend in rows that oppose eachother, whereby the latching projections and base body cooperate todefine a channel area for guiding the cables. The base body is L-shaped,W-shaped, or has another shape effective at defining at least onechannel area.

The latching projections are configured to have ends that interlockwithout contact, such as in a comb-like manner. The ends of a first rowof latching projections oppose and extend between the ends of a secondrow of latching projections to define the channel area. The latchingprojections are flexible to enable insertion and removal of a cableinto, and out from, the channel area.

The latching projections are flexible to a quick change of cable fromthe cable holding device with relatively little effort. Furtherindividual cable strands may be exchanged.

Thus quickly or with relatively little effort a configuration ormodification of the cable route of one or several cables can beachieved, whereby the cable strands are removed from the cable holdingelements inside the housing of the device and are laid in other cableholding elements in the same case. Thus it is possible to remedymanipulation very easily because the cable holding elements allow aplurality of possible configurations and thereby cable strands can belaid in a more or less random position in a device. Hereby a targetedmanipulation of the device is made difficult.

In addition, the invention offers the advantage that an easy andflexible installation of multiple cables and cable strands in a devicehousing of the same electronic device is possible. A particularadvantage is given by exchanging cables, such as while exchanging wiredcomponents of the device, whereby individual cables can be very easilyremoved from the cable holding elements through the latchingprojections.

The cable holding element or the cable channel does not require anyseparate closing or locking elements, such as closing clips, throughwhich a simple operation is allowed and the installation time isreduced.

A particular aspect of the invention foresees that the latchingprojections confining the channel area are L-shaped, which latchingprojections are at a distance opposite each other, so that the channelarea features a closed and/or U-shaped channel cross-section. Thisadvantageous embodiment of the latching projections or of the channelcross-section allows the simple laying or removal of the cable strand,or the cables, into the channel area or out of the channel area.

Furthermore, it can be provided that in the longitudinal direction ofthe channel area the latching projections are arranged in such a manner,so that these, preferably without contact, interlock in a comb-likemanner, so that the end of at least one latching projection is arrangedand/or protrudes between two respectively opposite latching projections.Thereby the unintentional falling out of the cables or cable strands,caused for example by shaking, from the cable channel is prevented.

It can be further provided that the latching projections are constructedto be elastically bendable respectively to be resilient, so that thesecan be swinging against the base body of the cable holding element andafter the swinging return to their initial position. Hereby the layingof cables into the cable channel is facilitated, whereby a cable can bepressed through the intermediate area between two latching projections.

A particularly advantageous embodiment of the latching projections,which prevent shifting or sliding of the cable strands from the cablechannel, foresees that the latching projections are developed in acurved shape, in particular in an angled-hook shape, and feature twolatching projection sections, whereby the first latching projectionsection projects in an angle of 70°-90°, preferably 85°-90°, inparticular, exactly vertically and/or normally, from the respective areaand whereby the second latching projection section continues at thedistant end of the respective area of the first latching projectionsection and projects in an angle, in particular with an angle between70° to 110°, preferably 90°, to the first latching projection section indirection towards the latching projections, which project from therespective areas opposite each other.

A constructively particular simple embodiment of the latchingprojections foresees that the two latching projection sections aredeveloped integrally, in particular developed from a flat body and/or aprofile rod, that features an arc between the first and the secondlatching projection section.

So as to facilitate the penetration of the cable strands into the cablechannel of the cable holding element it can be foreseen that the twolatching projection sections enclose an angle of less than or equal to90°.

So as to enable a particular simple cable conduit and enable adevelopment of longer cable holding elements with a longer extension incable direction it can be foreseen that the two areas of which thelatching projections project run parallel to another and/or lie at onelevel.

So as to achieve a balanced pressure of the base body of the cablechannel when inserting the cables or cable strands or the removal of thecables or cable strands and to achieve a simple constructive embodimentof the cable channel it can be foreseen that the respective number oflatching projections, which project from both areas, deviate by no morethan one from another.

So as to facilitate the positioning of the cable strands into the cablechannel or the cable holding element it can be foreseen that the ends ofthe latching projections or the ends of the second latching projectionsections are inclined towards the base body.

So as to prevent an unintentional shifting or sliding of the cablestrands or cables, in particular by vibrations, it can be foreseen thatfor each latching projection, of which the end is arranged between twolatching projections projecting from the respective area opposite eachother, another projecting latching projection from the opposite area isforeseen, of which the end is approximated to the end of the respectivelatching projection and is opposite, whereby, in particular, the frontsides of the ends of the other latching projection and the latchingprojection are opposite each other.

So as to achieve a constructively simple embodiment of such a cablechannel it can be foreseen that the other latching projections have eacha first latching projection section, that projects from the base body inan angle, in particular an angle of 70° to 110°, preferably 90°, andfeature a second latching projection section that continues the firstlatching projection section and projects from the first latchingprojection section.

A simplification of the constructive development foresees that the formand/or the alignment of the first and/or second latching projectionsection of the other latching projections corresponds to the form andalignment of the first and/or second latching projection sections of thelatching projections.

A further added or alternative simplification of the constructionforesees that the length of the first latching projection section of theother latching projections corresponds to the length of the firstlatching projection section of the latching projections.

A further simplification of the structure of the cable holding elementaccording to the invention foresees that the latching projectionsprojecting from the first area and/or the second area are developedand/or arranged equally, and/or that all latching projections aredesigned equally.

For the same purpose it can be additionally or alternatively foreseenthat the other latching projections projecting from the first areaand/or from the second area are constructed and/or aligned equally, andthat all other latching projections are developed equally.

For the development of longer cable holding elements, which have alonger longitudinal extension in direction of the cable it can beforeseen that latching projections project from two areas, whereby anumber of first latching projections project from the first of the twoareas and a number of the second latching projections project from thesecond of the two areas.

For the prevention of shifting and sliding of cables or cable strandsfrom the cable channel it can be foreseen that the first latchingprojections project from subareas of the first area, which lie on afirst straight line and/or that the second latching projections projectfrom subareas of the second area, which lie on a second straight line,whereby the first straight line and the second straight line arepreferably arranged in a parallel manner to each other.

Additionally or alternatively, for the same purpose it can be foreseenthat a number of the other latching projections and/or from subareas ofthe second area project, which lie on the first straight line, and theremaining of the other latching projections project from subareas of thesecond area, which lie on the second straight line.

So as to obtain a space-saving construction, which prevents a twistingor jamming of cables, which are placed outside the cable holdingelement, it can be foreseen that between each two latching projections arespective further latching projection is arranged.

Thereby it can be particularly foreseen that the second latchingprojection section of the latching projections, if applicable, also thesecond latching projection sections of the other latching projections,lie at the same level.

For the reduction of material requirements of the base body it can beforeseen that the base body has at least one recess in the areasopposite the latching projections.

For the stabilisation of the latching projections as well as theprevention of a breaking-off of the latching projection when insertingand extracting cable strands or cables, it can be foreseen that the basebody features at least one, in particular two, in particular verticallyand/or normally, projecting projections from it, of which the individuallatching projections and, if applicable, the other latching projectionsproject.

For a simplified guiding of the cables it can be foreseen that thechannel cross-section of the channel area narrows and/or extends atleast in a subarea along the longitudinal extension of the channel area.

So as to achieve a simple insertion and extraction of the cables intothe cable holding element or out of the cable holding element it can beforeseen that the latching projections are developed to be elasticallybendable and/or to be resilient.

So as to prevent a breaking-off of the latching projection wheninserting or extracting the cable strands or cables it can be foreseenthat the relation of the width in longitudinal direction of the cableholding element to the thickness of the latching projections is between4:1 to 4:1.5, in particular 4:1.3.

So as to guarantee a sufficient elastic bendability it can be inparticular foreseen that the latching projections, if applicable theother latching projections and/or the entire cable holding element, aremade from synthetic materials, in particular polyethylene PE and/orpolypropylene PP.

Furthermore the invention relates to a cable holding arrangementcomprehending a number of cable holding elements in accordance with theinvention.

So as to achieve a cabling non-identifiable or non-predictable forexternals it can be foreseen that the individual cable holding elementsare arranged equally aligned on a common base body.

So as to achieve an easy or simple fastening of the cable holdingelement to a device it can be foreseen that the base body featuresfastening devices, in particular releasable without tools, for thefastening of the cable holding to a device, in particular with a frameof device.

In order to reduce the bill of materials cost it can be foreseen thatthe common base body has at least one recess in the areas opposite thelatching projections.

For the fastening of a cable holding element in corner areas of a deviceit can be foreseen that the common base body forms a W-shaped angleprofile and, in addition, latching projections of each of the cableholding elements project from the central bow edge of the W-shaped angleprofile.

Hereby a particular large cable cross-section can be achieved, ifprojections project from the bow edge and/or the trailing edge of whichthe latching projections project.

A particularly advantageous adjustment in the corner areas of aright-angled device is achieved if the W-shaped angle profile in thearea of the central bow edge, preferably also in both trailing edges,features a right angle.

For the fastening of a cable holding to evenly developed surfaces of thedevice it can be foreseen that the common base body is developed in aflat manner and/or even manner and the individual latching projectionsproject from the same side of the base body.

In order to achieve a plurality of different cabling possibilities andthereby counteract an intentional manipulation by third parties it canbe foreseen that the individual cable holding elements are arrangedequally and, if applicable, are arranged side by side and/orconsecutively.

For the same purpose it can be additionally or alternatively foreseenthat the first and the second straight line are arranged in a parallelmanner to each other.

Finally the invention refers to an electronic device, in particular abetting and gaming machine or a betting and gaming device that at leastcomprehends a cable holding according to invention or at least aplurality of cable holding elements according to invention. Such anelectronic device has a plurality of cabling possibilities, which allowthe manufacturer of the device to equip his devices with different cablepositions so as to prevent a manipulation occurring always in the samemanner of his betting and gaming devices.

In the following four embodiments of the invention are described ingreater detail with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cable holding with a W-shaped cross-section in an angledview.

FIG. 2 shows the cable holding shown in FIG. 1 from a differentperspective in an angled view.

FIG. 3 shows the cable holding shown in FIG. 1 in a lateral view.

FIG. 4 shows the cable holding shown in FIG. 1 in a lateral view fromthe other side.

FIG. 5 shows the cable holding shown in FIG. 1 from an above view.

FIG. 6 shows the cable holding shown in FIG. 1 from a below view.

FIG. 7 shows the cable holding shown in FIG. 1 with a view of thechannel area.

FIG. 8 shows the interior of an electronic device, in the corner area ofwhich a cable holding element, as shown in FIG. 1, is installed.

FIG. 9 shows a second embodiment of the invention in an angled view.

FIG. 10 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 from adifferent perspective in an angled view.

FIG. 11 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 from theside.

FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 from theopposite side.

FIG. 13 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 with aview of the channel area.

FIG. 14 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 fromabove.

FIG. 15 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 9 frombelow.

FIG. 16 shows the interior of a device with a number of cable holdingsinstalled therein, as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 17 shows a third embodiment of the invention from an angled view.

FIG. 18 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention from an angled view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1 a first embodiment according to invention of a cable holding50 with two cable holding elements 1 and 1′ is shown. The cable holdingelements 1 and 1′ feature a common base body 100, whereby two channelareas 13 and 13′ divided from each other are developed. The base body100 features a W-shaped angle profile 101, which features a central bowedge 102 as well as two trailing edges 103. The central bow edge 102lies parallel to the trailing edges 103 and lies with these at the samelevel.

Both channel areas 13 and 13′ are each confined by one half of theW-shaped profile 101 as well as the projections 17 and 18. Theprojections 17 and 18 project from the bow edge 102 and the trailingedges 103. In one embodiment, the projections 17 and 18 project from thecentral bow edge 102. In another embodiment, the lateral projections 17and 18 project from one of the two respective trailing edges 103.

These projections 17 and 18 in the present embodiment are developednormally in an upright manner to the level determined by the central bowedge 102 as well as both trailing edges 103 and are attached to thecentral bow edge 102 or to the trailing edges 103 to extend the edges102 and 103, respectively. The projections 17 and 18 extend in a profilelongitudinal direction of the W-shaped profile 101 across the entirelength of the profile and stand normally at the level determined by thecentral bow edge 102 and the trailing edge 103.

At the respective distant end of the bow edge 102 or the respectivetrailing edge 103 of the respective projection 17 and 18 a surface withan area 111 and 121 is developed, from which individual projections 11and 12 project.

The first cable holding element 1 confines the first channel area 13.The first channel area 13 is on the distant end of the trailing edge 103of the projection 17 and 18. The areas on the central projections 17 and18 are referred to as areas opposite to each other 111 and 121.Similarly, in relation to the second cable holding element 1′ thatconfines the second channel area 13′, the area on the distant end of thetrailing edge 103 of the projection 17 and 18 and the area on thecentral projection 17 and 18 are referred to as areas opposite to eachother 111 and 121.

FIG. 7 shows the latching projections 11 and 12. The latchingprojections 11 and 12 each include a respective first latchingprojection section 113 and 123, as well as a respective second latchingprojection section 114 and 123. The latching projections 11 and 12 aredeveloped in an L-shape or in an angled-hook shape and feature each tworespective latching projection sections 113, 114, 123, and 124. Eachlatching projection 11 and 12, respectively features a first latchingprojection section 113 and 123 and a second latching projection section114 and 124. The first latching projection sections 113 and 123 standvertically and/or normally to the areas 111 and 121 from which theyproject. The second latching projection sections 114 and 124 continuethe first latching projections 113 and 123 at its respective distantend.

The latching projection sections 113, 114, 123, 124 are developedintegrally and are developed from a flat body. In the present casecurved profile rods are used as latching projections 11 and 12. Theseprofile rods or flat bodies feature between the first and the secondlatching projection sections 113, 114, 123, and 124 each have an arc 115and 125. The arcs 115 and 125 are developed in such a manner that thetwo latching projection sections 113, 114, 123, and 124 enclose an angleof no less than 90°. Preferably, the angle is approximately 75°.

The second latching projection sections 114 and 124 project from the endof the first latching projection section in direction of the respectiveopposite area 111 and 121. The individual latching projections 11 and 12are arranged in a comb-like manner, that is they are arranged at adistance from each other and are aligned equally, whereby all latchingprojections 11 and 12 projecting from the same area 111 and 121 of thefirst cable holding element 1 and 1′ have the same distance to therespectively adjacently arranged latching projections 11 and 12.

The latching projections 11 and 12 project from points and/or subareason the areas 111 and 121, which are each arranged on a common straightline 116 and 117. The latching projections 11 and 12 opposite each otherinterlock without contact, whereby the ends 110 and 120 of the latchingprojections 11 and 12 or the ends 110 and 120 FIG. 2 are approximated tothe second latching projections 114 and 124 without contact.

Each end 110 and 120 of the respective latching projections 11 and 12 isarranged between two latching projections 11 and 12 of the respectiveopposite area 111 and 121 or protrudes into the intermediate areabetween two projecting latching projections 11 and 12 of the oppositearea 11 and 12. The individual ends 110 and 120 of the latchingprojections 11 and 12 or the second latching projection sections 114 and124 are arranged so that these do not contact the projecting latchingprojections 11 and 12 of the opposite areas 111 and 121. In the presentembodiment all latching projections 11 and 12 are equally developed andaligned and do not contact each other.

On the projections 17 and 18, which project from the central bow edge102, are latching elements 11 and 12. These latching elements 11 and 12define the first channel area 13 and the other channel area 13′. Theside facing away from the central bow edge 102 of the centralprojections 17 and 18 develops thereby an area 111 and 121 from whichlatching projections 11 and 12 project to define of the first channelarea 13 as well as for the defining of the second channel area 13′.

The arrangement of the latching projections 11 and 12 occurs in such amanner that the channel areas 13 and 13′ features a close and/orU-shaped channel cross-section.

In one embodiment of the invention, both of the two cable holdingelements 1 and 1′ of the cable holding 50 include each four firstlatching projections 11 and four second latching projections 12. Theends of the second latching projection sections 123 and 124 are inclinedtowards the common base body 100 or to the level determined by thetrailing edges 103 as well as the central bow edge 102.

Four fastening elements 107 are arranged in the area of the W-shapedprofile 101. The W-shaped profile facilitates a tool-free and releasablefastening of the cable holder 50 with a device 60 or with its frame 61.This achieves the goal of simple assembly.

A preferred arrangement of the cable holder 50 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 isshown in FIG. 8. The device in this case includes a frame 61 andmultiple wall elements, which form a device housing and encloses adevice interior.

The individual edges of the W-shaped profile 101 of the cable holder 50are aligned at a right angle to each other.

FIG. 8 shows the cable holder 50 mounted on an angled corner profile ofthe frame 61 of a device 60, whereby the individual fastening means 107engage into the recesses on the corner profile of the frame 61 and thusallow a releasable fastening of the cable holder 50 on the frame 61. Inaddition, FIG. 8 shows a cable 2 that is guided into one of the twochannel areas 13 of the cable holder 50.

The base body 10 and 100 of the cable holder 50 features a recess at theareas opposite the latching projections 11 and 12. Furthermore,additional recesses are foreseen in which the fastening means 107 forthe fastening at the frame 61 of the device 60 are located. The channelcross-section of both channel areas 13 and 13′ of the embodiment of theinvention shown in FIGS. 1 to 7 remains the consistent across the entirelongitudinal direction of the respective channel areas 13 and 13′.

The latching projections 11 and 12 in the present embodiment of theinvention are developed to be elastically bendable and to be resilientand consist of synthetic materials such as polyethylene. The latchingprojections 11 and 12 have a spring effect so that the latchingprojections 11 and 12 may flex and return to their initial positionafter their deflection and swiveling in the course of the insertion ofthe cables 2 into the channel areas 13 and 13′. The consistency of thepolyethylene is thereby selected in such a manner so that the latchingelements have a bending stiffness and elasticity that allow a swivelingof the individual latching elements 11 and 12 so that a cable can beinserted through pressure onto the latching elements 11 and 12 in thechannel areas 13 and 13′.

Alternatively the cable holding element 1 can also be made frompolypropylene or other elastically bendable and resilient syntheticmaterials. In the present case not only the latching projections 11 and12 but also the entire cable holder 50 may be developed from syntheticmaterials.

In FIGS. 9 to 16 a second embodiment according to invention of a cableholding 50 is shown. The second embodiment of the invention correspondswith the first embodiment of the invention with the exception of thedeviations outlined below.

The common base body 100 of this cable holding 50 is developed in a flatand even manner. The individual latching projections 11 and 12 are alsoarranged on areas 111 and 121 on projections 17 and 18, which run in aparallel manner to the level determined by the base body 100. The commonbase body 100 features a number of fastening means 107 with which thecable holding 50 can be arranged at the frame 61 of a device 60releasable without tools. The cable holding 50 defines two channel areas13 and 13′, which are arranged in a parallel manner, and which aredivided from each other by centrally arranged projections 17 and 18. Thethree projections 17 and 18 of the base body 100 project from it andcarry at the distant end to the base body 100 the individual latchingprojections. The form, shape and alignment of the individual latchingprojections 11 and 12 are otherwise identical to the first embodiment.

The essential difference between the first and the second embodiment ofthe invention is that the base body 100 of the second embodimentfeatures a flat and even shape. The projections are directly attached tothe level of the base body 100. Due to the form of the base body 100 thecable holding 50 as shown in the second embodiment of the invention, canbe preferably used for assembly at even supports.

In FIG. 16 an interior cabling of a device 60 is represented in moredetail, whereby a plurality of cable holdings, as shown in the secondembodiment of the invention in FIGS. 9 to 15, is used. In contrast tothe embodiments of cable holdings 50 shown in FIGS. 9 to 15, theembodiment of FIG. 16 has cable holdings 50 having four channel areasdivided from each other and, which are arranged on a common base body10.

The cable holdings 50 are bolted via the fastening means 107 of the baseplate 10 to or with housing parts of the device 60. Alternatively, atool-free fastening can be foreseen, for example, the fastening means107 may be formed by a bore, into which flexible segment sections arearranged so that a rod-shaped body inserted into the bore is fixedthrough the segment section in a barbed-hook manner. The flexiblesegment section can be developed from the same material as the baseplate 10.

As is apparent from the area bearing the mark A in FIG. 16 the guidingof cables 2, 2′, 2″, and 2′″ or cable harnesses in device 60 can occurin different ways. The cable holding 50 features four different channelareas 13, whereby all of the cables 2, 2′, 2″, and 2′″ only run throughtwo of the four channel areas 13, while the remaining channel areas 13of the cable holding 50 are free of cables 2. A targeted manipulation ofa device 60 would however only be possible, if a person performing amanipulation knows the exact position of the individual cables 2, 2′,2″, and 2′″ and can conduct an effective interruption from outside. Butif the cables 2, 2′, 2″, and 2′″ are during the production always guidedin a different way, then an effective manipulation is made considerablydifficult. Through the simple disconnecting and relaying of cables 2,2′, 2″, and 2′″ into or out of the channel area 13 a simple new cablingis possible and a manipulation from outside of the individual cables 2,2′, 2″, and 2′″ is made more difficult.

The first as well as the second embodiment are developed symmetricallyaround a level which runs through the central projections 17 and 18 andstands normally at the level determined by the trailing edges.

A third embodiment of the invention of a cable holding 50 is shown inFIG. 17 and features an even and flat common base body 100, which hasfour fastening means 107 for the fastening of the common base body 100or the cable holding 50 to the frame 61 of a device 60. On the commonbase body 10 there are four cable holding elements 1, which are alignedequidistant and parallel with each other.

Each of the cable holding elements 1 features two projections 17 and 18which project from the common base body 100 almost vertically ornormally. At the end of the projections 17 and 18 distant from the basebody 100 latching projections 11 and 12 as well as other latchingprojections 15 and 16 project. As shown in the previous embodiments thelatching projections 11 and 12 comprehend each a first latchingprojection section 113 and 114 that essentially runs normally with anangle of 70-90°, in particular 85-90°, to the base body 10. Arcs 115 and125 represent the curvature of the latching projections 11 and 12 andthe second latching projection sections 114 and 124 run almost parallelto the base body 10.

The latching projection 11 and 12 project in a comb-like manner from therespective projections 17 and 18, whereby the ends 110 and 120 of therespective latching projections 11 and 12 protrude or are aligned eachbetween two opposite areas 111 and 121 or from the projection 17 and 18opposite each other.

Those areas 111 and 121 of the cable holding 50 at the end of theprojections 17 and 18 distant to the base body 10 run in a parallelmanner and lie at the same level. As in the two previous examples thenumber of latching projections 11 and 12, which project from the areas111 and 121, are equal.

Alternatively, it can naturally be foreseen for all embodiments of theinvention that a deviation between the number of latching projection 11,which project from the first area 111, from the number of latchingprojections 12, which project from the second area 121, is different. Itis particularly advantageous if the respective number of latchingprojections 11 and 12 projecting from both areas 111 and 121 preferablydiffer by 1. In particular, in any case a deviation no greater than 1 ispossible without detriment to the functionality of the cable holding 50.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the invention where all second latchingprojection sections 114 and 124 lie at the same level, whereby thislevel runs parallel to the level of the base body 10.

For each latching projections 11 and 12, of which the end is arrangedbetween two latching projections 11 and 12 of the respective oppositeareas 111 and 121, other projecting latching projections 15 and 16 areforeseen, upon which, the ends 151 and 161 are approximated to the endof the respective latching projections 11 and 12 and lies opposite. Inthe present embodiment also the other latching projections 15, 16 lie atthe same level, which runs parallel to the base body 10, in which alsothe second latching projections 123 and 124 lie. The front sides of theends 110, 120 151, and 161 of the latching projections 11 and 12 and theother latching projections 15 and 16 lie opposite each other.

The other latching projections 15 and 16 feature a first latchingprojection section 151 and 161 that projects from the base body 10 orthe projection 17 and 18 of the base body 10 essentially normally at anangle of 70°-90°, in particular 85°-90°. The second latching projections152 and 162, of the other latching projections 15 and 16, extends thefirst latching projection section 151 and 161 at its end distant to thebase body 10. The other latching projections 15 and 16 feature an arc153 and 163, that connects the respective first and second latchingprojection sections 151, 152, 161, and 162, whereby the first and thesecond latching projection sections 151, 152, 161, and 162 are in analmost right angle to each other. The form and alignment of the firstand/or second latching projection sections 151, 152, 161, and 162 of theother latching projections 15 and 16 corresponds to the form andalignment of the first and second latching projection sections 113, 114,123, and 124 of the latching projections 11 and 12.

The length of the first latching projection sections 151 and 161 of theother latching projections 15 and 16 thereby corresponds to the lengthof the first latching projection sections 113 and 123 of the latchingprojections 11 and 12. The form and alignment of the first and secondlatching projection sections 151, 152, 161, 162 of the other latchingprojections 15 and 16 correspond to the form and alignment of the firstand/or second latching projection sections 113, 114, 123, 124 of thelatching projections 11 and 12. The other latching projections 15 and 16and the latching projections 11 and 12 are constructed equally andaligned equally.

As with both previous embodiments, each cable holding element 1 featuresareas 111 and 121 on the projections 17 and 18, respectively. Thelatching projections 11 and 12 extend and project from the areas 111 and121. Those parts of the areas 111 and 121 from which the latchingprojections project lie each on a straight line 116, 117. Each cableholding element 1 of the cable holding 50 shown in FIG. 17 features twoprojections 17 and 18.

On the first of the two projections 17 a first area 111 is foreseen onwhich a number of first latching projections 11 project in direction ofthe second opposite projection 18. Similarly, on the second projection18 a second area 121 is foreseen from which a number of the secondlatching projections 12 project in direction of the first projection 17.All first latching projections 11 project from subareas of the firstarea 111, which lie on the first straight line 116. All of the secondlatching projection 12 project from subareas of the second area 121 ofthe second projection 18, which lie on the second straight line 126.

All first straight lines 116 and second straight lines 126 of the cableholding elements 1 of the cable holding 50 in FIG. 17 lie in a parallelmanner to each other.

Also the other latching projections 15, 16 project each from subareas ofthe first and second area 111 and 121, which lie on the respective firstof second straight line 116 and 126. A number of the other latchingprojections 15 and 16, hereinafter called the first other latchingprojections 15, project from subareas of the first area 111, which lieon the first straight line 116. The remaining other latchingprojections, hereinafter called the second other latching projections16, project from subareas of the second area 121, which lie on thesecond straight line 126. Between two latching projections 11 and 12,which lie adjacently on one area 111 and 121 a respective other latchingprojection 15, 16 is arranged. The second latching projection sections114 and 124 of the latching projections 11 and 12 and the secondlatching projection sections 152 and 162 of the other latchingprojections 15 and 16 lie at the same level.

The individual latching projection sections 113, 114, 123, and 124 aredeveloped integrally from a flat body or a profile rod, which hasbetween the first and the second latching projection section 113, 114,123, and 124 an arc 115, 125. The latching projections 11 and 12 aredeveloped to be elastically bendable and to be resilient, whereby therelation of the width in longitudinal direction of the channel or thecable holding element 1 to the thickness of the latching projections 11and 12 is between 4:1 to 4:1.5, in the present embodiment the preferablevalue is 4:1.3.

The entire cable holding 50 consists in the present embodiment ofpolyethylene. The consistency of the polyethylene is thereby selected insuch a manner so that the latching elements have a bending stiffness andelasticity that allow a swiveling of the individual latching elements 11and 12, so that a cable can be inserted through pressure onto thelatching elements 11 and 12 in the channel area 13 and 13′. In addition,in this particular embodiment of the invention the entire cable holding50 is developed integrally.

Alternatively, the cable holding 50 shown in FIG. 17 can also be madefrom polypropylene or other synthetic materials that have a similarconsistency or material property, in particular elasticity and bendingstiffness.

Another fourth embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 18 refers to asingle cable holding element 1 with a base body 10. The cable holdingelement 1 and 1′ develops a divided channel area 13. The base body 10 isdeveloped in a plate-shaped manner with a base plate where at thetrailing edges 103, the projections 17, 18 project.

These projections 17 and 18 are in the present embodiment developednormally in an upright manner to the level determined by the base plateand are attached to the central bow edge 102 or to the trailing edges103 and continue these. The projections 17 and 18 extend in profilelongitudinal direction across the entire length of the cable holdingelement 1 and stand normally at the level determined by the trailingedges 103.

At the respective end, distant to the respective trailing edge 103, ofthe respective projection 17 and 18 a surface with an area 111 and 121is developed, from which individual latching projections 11 and 12project.

In relation to the first cable holding element 1, which confines thefirst channel area 13, the areas 111 and 121 on the distant end of thetrailing edge 103 of the projection 17 and 18 and the area on thecentral projection 17 and 18 are referred to as areas opposite to eachother 111 and 121.

In the present embodiment the latching projections 11 and 12—as well aswith the remaining embodiments—comprehend each a first latchingprojection section 113 and 123 as well as a second latching projectionsection 114 and 124. The latching projections 11 and 12 are developed inan L-shaped or in an angled-hook shape manner and feature each tworespective latching projection sections 113, 114, 123, and 124. Eachlatching projection 11 and 12 features a first latching projectionsection 113 and 123 and a second latching projection section 114 and124. The first latching projection sections 113 and 123 stand verticallyi.e. normally to the areas 111 and 121 from which they project. Thesecond latching projection section 114 and 124 continues the firstlatching projection 113 and 123 at its distant end of its respectivearea 111 and 121.

The latching projection sections 113, 114, 123, and 124 are developedintegrally and are developed from a flat body. In the present casecurved profile rods are used as latching projections 11 and 12. Theseprofile rods or flat bodies feature between the first and the secondlatching projection section 113, 114, 123 and 124 each an angle sectionor an arc 115, 125. This arc 115, 125 can be developed in such a mannerthat the two latching projection sections 113, 114, 123 and 124 enclosean angle of no less than 90°, in the present case approximately 75°.

The second latching projection sections 123 and 124 project from the endof the first latching projection section in direction of the respectiveopposite area 111 and 121. The individual latching projections 11 and 12are arranged in a comb-like manner, that is they are arranged at adistance from each other and are aligned equally, whereby latchingprojections 11 and 12 projecting all from the same area 111 and 121 ofthe first cable holding element 1 and 1′ have each the same distance tothe respectively adjacently arranged latching projections 11 and 12.

The latching projections 11 and 12 project from point on the areas 111and 121, which each latching projection 11 and 12 are arranged on acommon straight line 116 and 117, respectively. The latching projections11 and 12 opposite each other interlock without contact, whereby theends 110, 120 of the latching projections 11 and 122 or the ends 110 and120 of the second latching projection section 114 and 124 areapproximated to each other without contact.

Each end 110 and 120 of the respective latching projection 11 and 12 isarranged between two latching projections 11 and 12 of the respectiveopposite area 111 and 121 or protrudes into the intermediate areabetween two projecting latching projections 11 and 12 of the oppositearea 11 and 12. The individual ends 110 and 120 of the latchingprojections 11 and 12 or the second latching projection sections 114 and124 are arranged so that these do not contact the projecting latchingprojections 11 and 12 of the opposite area 111 and 121. In the presentembodiment all latching projections 11 and 12 are equally developed andaligned and do not contact each other.

The alignment of the latching projections 11 and 12 occurs in such amanner that the channel area 13 features a closed cross-section, or aU-shaped channel cross-section.

In the present embodiment the cable holding element 1 comprehends ineach case four first latching projections 11 and four second latchingprojections 12. The ends of the second latching projection sections 123and 124 are inclined towards the common base body 100 or to the leveldetermined by the trailing edges 103.

For simple assembly two fastening elements 107 are arranged in the areaof the base plate, and which facilitate the tool-free and releasablefastening of the cable holding 50 to a and/or with device 60 and/or withits frame 61.

The latching projections 11 and 12 in the present embodiment of theinvention are developed to be elastically bendable and to be resilientand consist of synthetic materials, namely polyethylene. The consistencyof the polyethylene is thereby selected in such a manner so that thelatching elements feature a bending stiffness and elasticity that allowa swiveling of the individual latching elements 11 and 12, so that acable 2 can be inserted through pressure onto the latching elements 11and 12 in the channel area 13. After the bending the latching elements11 and 12 return to their initial position. Alternatively, the cableholding element 1 can also be made from polyethylene or otherelastically bendable and resilient synthetic materials.

When inserting a cable 2 the latching projections 11 and 12 are bent bythe pressure of the cable 2 in direction of the base body 10 or thecommon base body 11 and let the cable 2 enter the channel cross-section.If the cable is in the channel cross-section the latching elements 11return to their initial position due to their elasticity. The latchingprojections 11 and 12 can thus be resiliently or elastically swiveled atone level normal to the longitudinal direction of the cable holdingelement 1.

The shown flat-formed latching projections 11 and 12 project from theareas 111 and 121 and confine the channel area 13. The latchingprojections 11 and 12 are developed in a bent manner as profile partsand feature in their longitudinal direction a flat profile with aconstant cross-section. The proceed direction of the latching projection11 and 12 proceeds at one level normal to the longitudinal direction ofthe cable holding element 1. The flat profile has in longitudinaldirection of the cable holding element 1 an essentially greaterextension than in a direction normal to the longitudinal direction ofthe cable holding element 1. As already mentioned, a relation of 4:1 to4:1.5, in particular 4:1.3, between the extension of the maximumdimension of the flat profile of the latching projection 11 and 12 inlongitudinal direction of the cable holding element 1 and the dimensionof the profile of latching projection 11 and 12 in a direction normalthereto is preferable.

An advantageous embodiment is given in the form of a cable holdingelement 1 for the accommodation of one or multiple cables 2comprehending a base body 10 as well as a number of latching projections11 and 12 projecting from the base body 10, that project from areas 111and 121 opposite each other of the base body 10, whereby the latchingprojections 11 and 12 and, if applicable, the base body 10 define achannel area 13 for the guiding of cables 2, characterised in that thelatching projections 11 and 12 preferably interlock without contact i.e.in a comb-like manner, so that the end 110, 120 of at least one of thelatching projections 11 and 12, which project from one area 111 and 121,is arranged and/or protrudes between two latching projections 11 and 12projecting from the respective opposite area 111 and 121.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element as aforesaid, characterised in that the latchingprojections 11 and 12 confining the channel area 13 are formed in anL-shape, which are at a distance opposite each other, so that thechannel area 13 features a closed cross-section, or a U-shaped channelcross-section. In longitudinal direction of the channel area 13 thelatching projections 11 and 12 are arranged in such a manner that theseinterlock, preferably without contact, in a comb-like manner, so thatthe end 110, 120 of at least one of the latching projections 11 and 12is arranged/protrudes between two latching projections opposite eachother 11 and 12. The latching projections 11 and 12 are configured to beelastically bendable and to be resilient, so that these can be swiveledagainst the base body 10 of the cable holding element 1 and after theswiveling return to their initial position.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element 1 as aforesaid, characterised in that the latchingprojections 11 and 12 are developed in a curved shape, in particular inan angled-hook shape, and feature two latching projection sections 113,114, 123, 124, whereby the first latching projection section 113, 123projects in an angle of 70°-90°, preferably 85°-90°, in particularexactly vertically and/or normally, from the respective area 111 and 121and whereby the second latching projection section 114, 124 continues atthe distant end of the respective area of the first latching projectionsection 113, 123 and projects in an angle, in particular in an anglebetween 70° to 110°, preferably 90°, to the first latching projectionsection 113, 123 in direction of the latching projections 11 and 12,which project from the respective areas 111 and 121 opposite each other,and/or that the two latching projection sections 113, 114, 123, 124 aredeveloped integrally, in particular from a flat body and/or a profilerod, which feature between the first and the second latching projectionsection 113, 114, 123, 124 an arc 115, 125.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element 1 as aforesaid, characterised in that the twolatching projection sections 113, 114, 123, 124 enclose an angle of noless than or equal to 90°, and/or that the two areas 111 and 121 fromwhich the latching projections 11 and 12 project run parallel to anotherand/or lie at one level, and/or that the respective number of latchingprojections 11 and 12, which project from the two areas 111 and 121,deviate by no more than one, and/or that the ends of the latchingprojections 11 and 12 or the ends of the second latching projectionsections 123, 124 are inclined towards the base body 10.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element 1 as aforesaid, characterised in that for eachlatching projection 11 and 12, of which the end is arranged between twoprojecting latching projections 11 and 12 of the respective oppositearea 111 and 121, another projecting latching projection 15, 16 from theopposite area 111 and 121 is foreseen, of which the end 150, 160 isapproximated to the end of the respective latching projection 11 and 12and lies opposite, whereby in particular the front sides of the ends110, 120 150, 160 of the other latching projections 15, 16 and thelatching projection 11 and 12 lie opposite each other.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element 1 as aforesaid, characterised in that the otherlatching projections 15, 16 each feature a first latching projectionsection 151, 161, that projects from the base body 10 in an angle, inparticular in an angle of 70°-90°, preferably 90°, and features a secondlatching projection section 152, 162, that continues the first latchingprojection section 151, 152 and projects from the first latchingprojection section 151, 152, that in particular the form and/oralignment of the first and/or second latching projection section 151,152, 161, 162 of the other latching projections 15, 16 corresponds tothe form and alignment of the first and/or second latching projectionsections 113, 114, 123, 124 of the latching projections 11 and 12, andthat in particular the length of the first latching projection section151, 161 of the other latching projections 15, 16 corresponds to thelength of the first latching projection section 113, 123 of the latchingprojections 11 and 12.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element 1 as aforesaid, characterised in that the latchingprojections 11 and 12 projecting from the first area 111 and/or from thesecond area 121 are developed and/or aligned equally, and/or that allother latching projections 11 and 12 are developed equally, and/or thatthe other latching projections 15, 16 projecting from the first area 111and/or from the second area 121 are developed and/or aligned equally,and/or that all other latching projections 15, 16 are developed equally.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element 1 as aforesaid, characterised in that the latchingprojections 11 and 12 project from two areas 111 and 121, whereby anumber of first latching projections 11 project from the first of bothareas 111 and a number of second latching projections 12 project fromthe second of the two areas 121, and/or that the first latchingprojections 11 project from subareas of the first area 111, which lie ona first straight line 116 and/or that the second latching projections 12project from subareas of the second area 121, which lie on a secondstraight line 126, whereby the first straight line 116 and the secondstraight line 126 are preferably aligned in a parallel manner to eachother, and/or that a number of the other latching projections 15, 16and/or form subareas of the second area 121 project, which lie on thefirst straight line 116, and the remaining of the other latchingprojections 16 project from subareas of the second area 121, which lieon the second straight line 126, and/or that between each of the twolatching projections 11 and 12 a respective other latching projection15, 16 is arranged, and/or that the second latching projection sections114, 124 of the latching projections 11 and 12, if applicable, also thesecond latching projection sections 152, 162 of the other latchingprojections 15, 16 lie at the same level, and/or that the base body 10features in the areas opposite the latching projections 11 and 12 atleast one recess 105.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element 1 as aforesaid, characterised in that the basebody 10 features at least one, in particular two, in particularvertically and/or normally, projecting projections 17, 18 from it, ofwhich the individual latching projections 11 and 12 and, if applicable,the other latching projections project 15/16, and/or that the channelcross-section of the channel area 13 narrows and/or extends at least ina subarea along the longitudinal extension of the channel area 13,and/or that the latching projections 11 and 12 are developed to beelastically bendable and/or to be resilient, and/or that the relation ofthe width in longitudinal direction of the cable holding element 1 tothe thickness of the latching projections 11 and 12 is between 4:1 to4:1.5, in particular 4:1.3.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding element 1 as aforesaid, characterised in that the latchingprojections 11 and 12, if applicable, the other latching projections 15,16 and/or the entire cable holding element 1, are made from syntheticmaterials, in particular polyethylene PE and/or polypropylene PP.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding 50 comprehending a number of cable holding elements 1 asaforesaid, characterised in that the individual cable holding elements 1are arranged equally aligned on a common base body 100, wherebypreferably the base body 100 features fastening means 107 for, inparticular releasable without tools, fastening of cable holdings 50 to adevice, in particular with a frame 61 of a device 60, and/or that thecommon base body 100 in the areas opposite of the latching projections11 and 12 features at least one recess 105.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding 50 as aforesaid, comprehending in particular two cableholding elements 1, characterised in that the common base body 100develops a W-shaped angle profile 101, whereby the latching projections11 and 12 of the two cable holding elements 1 project from the centralbow edge 102 of the W-shaped angle profile 101 and, in addition,latching projections 11 and 12 of each of the cable holding elements 1project from the trailing edges 103 of the W-shaped angle profile, andwhereby, if applicable, projections project from the bow edge 102 and/orthe trailing edge 103, of which the latching projections project 11 and12, and/or whereby, if applicable, the W-shaped angle profile 101features in the area of the central bow edge 102, preferably also inboth trailing edges 103, 104, a right angle.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form of acable holding 50 as aforesaid, characterised in that the common basebody 100 is developed in a flat and/or even manner and the individuallatching projections 11 and 12 project towards the same side from thebase body 100, and/or that the individual cable holding elements 1 onthe base body 100 are arranged equally and, if applicable, are arrangedside by side and/or consecutively, and/or that the first and secondstraight line 116, 117 are arranged in a parallel manner to each other.

A particularly advantageous embodiment is further given in the form ofan electronic device, in particular betting and/or gaming device, with acable holding 50 as aforesaid or with a plurality of cable holdingelements 1 as aforesaid.

I claim:
 1. A cable holding device comprising: a base body; at least onecable holding element on the base body for defining at least one channelarea to accommodate one or more cables; each cable holding elementhaving two rows of latching projections, each latching projection havinga first section and a second section, the first latching projectionsection extends from the base body, and the second latching projectionsection is bent at an acute angle from the first latching projectionsection in a direction towards the base body; the ends of the latchingprojections of one row overlaps the ends of the latching projections ofthe other row to form a guiding means; and the guiding means beingcapable of guiding a cable both into and out from the cable holdingelement.
 2. The cable holding device as set forth in claim 1, whereinthe latching projections are flexible to enable cable to be insertedinto the cable holding element and removed from the cable holdingelement.
 3. The cable holding device as set forth in claim 2, whereincable holding element has a first side and a second side, the latchingprojections align on the first side and second side, respectively, andthe latching projections interlock without contact in a comb-likemanner.
 4. The cable holding device as set forth in claim 3, wherein thelatching projections attach on one side of the cable holding elementalign in parallel with the latching projections attached on the otherside of the cable holding element.
 5. The cable holding device as setforth in claim 3, wherein the base body includes two cable holdingelements aligned in parallel with each other, the base body having a “W”shaped profile to enable the base body to mount on an external cornerinside a cabinet.
 6. The cable holding device as set forth in claim 2,wherein the latching projections are flexible to flex between an initialposition where the latching projections on each side of the cableholding element overlap to a flexed position to enable a cable to passthrough the latching projections.
 7. The cable holding device as setforth in claim 6 wherein the latching projections are made from amaterial selected from the group consisting of polyethylene andpolypropylene.
 8. The cable holding device as set forth in claim 2,wherein the acute angle formed between the first latching projectionsection and the second latching projection section is between 70° and90°.
 9. The cable holding device as set forth in claim 8, wherein thefirst and second latching projection sections are constructedintegrally.
 10. The cable holding device as set forth in claim 9,wherein the first and second latching projection sections are developedfrom a rod-shaped body.
 11. The cable holding device as set forth inclaim 9, wherein the first and second latching projection sections aredeveloped from a flat body.
 12. A cable holding device comprising: abase body defining rows for holding cable holding elements, a number ofcable holding elements mounted on the base body in each row; the cableholding elements include at least two opposing rows of latchingprojections that interlock; the latching projections have a firstsection that extends out from the base body, and a second section thatforms an acute angle from the first section in a direction towards thebase body; the ends of the latching projections of one row overlaps theends of the latching projections of the other row to form a guidingmeans; and the guiding means is linear and guides a cable duringinsertion and removal from the cable holding elements.
 13. The cableholding device as set forth in claim 12, wherein the cable holdingelements are equally spaced in a generally linear arrangement.
 14. Acable holding device comprising: cable holding elements having a basebody and defining channel areas for the accommodation of one or multiplecables; the base body having a W-shaped profile having attachmentelements arranged to enable attachment of the base body to an externalcorner within a cabinet; the channel areas being confined by a number ofrespective latching projections projecting from the base body; whereinthe latching projections have a first section that extends out from thebase body and a second section that forms an acute angle from the firstsection in a direction towards the base body; and the respectivelatching projections of each channel area having ends that oppose eachother, the ends interlock without contact to define at least one channelarea for guiding the cables into and out from the channel area.
 15. Thecable holding device as set forth in claim 14, wherein W-shaped profileis configured to enable attachment of the base body to an angled cornerwithin a cabinet.
 16. The cable holding device as set forth in claim 15,wherein W-shaped profile has a central bow edge and trailing edges andthe latching projections extend both from the central bow edge and thetrailing edges to define two channel areas.
 17. The cable holding deviceas set forth in claim 16, wherein at least some of the latchingprojections extending from the central bow edge oppose the latchingprojections extending from each trailing edge.